Live cattle exports set to go to Cambodia, Thailand

Cambodia is set to become Australia's newest live cattle market, after health protocols were finalised between the two countries.

The industry expects to ship an initial 10,000 head of feeder and slaughter cattle to the south-east Asian country.

Australian Livestock Exporters Council chief executive, Alison Penfold, says it's a small market, but presents a significant opportunity for northern beef producers.

"We've seen across Asia a 115 per cent increase in live cattle exports over 2013 and 2014," she said..

"So adding Cambodia and hopefully in a short period of time Thailand, we will have a large and important area of huge potential."

Agriculture Minister, Barnaby Joyce, said Cambodia was the fourth livestock export market which the government has negotiated access into since February, after Bahrain, Egypt and Iran.

"This government is serious about delivering greater market access for our agricultural producers, including cattle producers many of whom are doing it tough at the moment because of drought," Minister Joyce said in a press release.

"Opening new markets, and improving access to existing ones, are tangible ways government can help our farmers get a fair price for the work they do.